A DEVELOPER has hit out at councillors for blocking the fourth flats plan for land that has been empty for 15 years.

Rob MacKay, of Julia MacKay Properties, claimed Basildon Council officials had recommended approval of three sets of plans, which were then blocked by councillors.

The firm’s latest plans for for 96 flats and 14 shops at 3 to 31 Runwell Road, Wickford have been refused.

Mr MacKay said: “There’s a disconnection between the planning officers and the councillors. It’s just like groundhog day and the same old with these people. I am staggered that this different plan didn’t get through.

“Whenever I am on the site people walking past always say it’s about time this site is developed and I tell them we are trying our best.

“If we cannot get plans approved we will have to go with the proposal that was agreed at appeal in 2007.”

MacKay said the 2007 plans include a five-storey building with 84 flats.

He said there’s an economic argument for the plan and added a lot had been invested in the site.

Former plans from the firm that were refused included a six-storey block of 110 flats and car park for 121 parking spaces.

The site was previously used for car dealership businesses and is close to Wickford town centre.

Resident Carole Fisher, 71, from Wickford said: “I don’t see why it’s been ongoing for so long now and I don’t want to see it rot and stagnate for even longer. I think the council is dragging its heels and needs to help the developer to make this part of the town smarter. I can only imagine what visitors think when they arrive - it’s in such a bad state.”

A Basildon Council spokesman said: “The latest plans submitted by Julia MacKay Properties were received without any pre-planning engagement and were of poor design.

“This was the view of officers and this view was shared by councillors who decide on these matters at planning committee.

“The developer has the option of requesting pre-planning advice in advance of submitting an application, and we would encourage them to do so as we would do with any developer.”